Celine Dion has cancelled her European tour after being diagnosed with a rare and incurable neurological disease.
The 54-year-old singer shared a teary-eyed video to her Instagram page explaining that she had been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome, which she says affects “every aspect of my daily life”. Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) leaves sufferers as 'human statues' as it locks the body into rigid positions.
There is no cure for the condition that can leave people unable to walk or talk. She told fans the tragic news on her deteriorating health after she was forced to cancel her European tour.
In the emotional video, she began: "Hello everyone, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reach out to you. I miss you all so much and can’t wait to be on stage talking to you in person.
"As you know I’ve always been an open book and I wasn’t ready to say anything before but I'm ready now
"I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time and it's been really difficult for me to face my challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through."
"While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all the spasms I’ve been having," she added.
"Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I'm used to."
She said that she has a "great team of doctors working alongside her" and is being supported by her "precious children".
"I miss you so much I miss seeing all of you being on the stage performing for you, I always give 100 percent when I do my show but my condition is not allowing me to give you that right now," she continued.
"For me to reach you again I have no choice but to concentrate on my health at this moment and I have hope that I'm on the road to recovery.
"This is my focus and I'm doing everything I can to recuperate."
"I want to thank you so much for your wishes and love and support on my social media. This means a lot to me. Take care of yourselves. Be well. I love you guys so much and I really hope I can see you again real soon," she signed off.
Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.
READ NEXT:
- Laura Anderson breaks down on Celebs Go Dating as she discusses Dane Bowers split and baby plans
- BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Hamza Yassin losing 'energy and confidence' ahead of final
- Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver treats herself to cosmetic work after I'm A Celeb stint
- Martin Compston announces date for new series Mayflies based on Scottish novel
- Loose Women's Jane Moore announces she's split with her husband after 20 years
